Constant-blocked practice: variation of parameters improves motor skill acquisition

Abstract AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the combination of constant and variable practice when both, motor program and parameters on absolute and relative dimensions of a task, are manipulated. METHOD Twenty undergraduate students, aged between 19 and 24 years, participated in this study. Two groups practiced the task of pressing four keys of a numeric keyboard with total and relative times specified under constant conditions in the first part of the acquisition phase and under block conditions in the second part when one group varied parameters and another varied motor programs. RESULTS Both groups improved parameters and motor program measures during the acquisition phase. In the retention test, the parameters variation resulted in higher accuracy on motor program measure that the variation of motor programs. CONCLUSION Both combinations improve parameters and motor program accuracy. Moreover, the maintenance of GMP during the variation phase contributes to strengthening it.摘要 研究目的：本研究旨在探究，当同时对任务绝对维度与相对维度下的动作程序（motor program）及参数进行操控时，固定练习与可变练习相结合所产生的影响。 方法：本研究共招募20名年龄介于19至24岁的本科生参与。在习得阶段的第一环节，两组被试均在恒定练习条件下完成预设总时长与相对时长的数字键盘四键按压任务；第二环节采用组块练习条件，其中一组操控动作参数，另一组操控动作程序。 结果：两组被试在习得阶段均实现了动作参数与动作程序测量指标的提升。在保持测试中，参数操控组在动作程序测量指标上的准确度优于动作程序操控组。 结论：两类结合练习均能提升动作参数与动作程序的准确度。此外，在可变练习阶段维持通用动作程序（Generalized Motor Program, GMP），有助于强化该程序。